BAPTISM IN JESUS' NAME(2) (cont.):
It is unfortunate that in many instances the impression is given that baptizing the children must be thought of after the children are born, as if only then we can bring God into the picture. But for believing parents God has already been "on the scene" long before the child is born. In the discussions that led the parents to the decision to have a child God would love to be an active conversation partner. In what sense? In faith we hold that God is the creator of us all. But how does that work in fact? Through the love of the couple for each other. It is astounding that God shares his life-giving ability, his being the source of life with the couple in their love for each other. It is through their love for each other that God is the creator of each child to be born. That is why the expression of their love for each other is such a sacred activity and we can only stand in awe of God wanting it this way.

Once the child is conceived God does not remove himself from the scene and become a distant onlooker. Rather, he journeys with the couple through the pregnancy and loves to share in their hope and excitement, in their anxieties and worries.

After all, the experience of pregnancy is not simply a biological and medical one; it is first, as much if not more so, a profoundly human experience with many divine features.

It is so beautifully expressed in one of the songs: "Before you were born I knew you. I formed you in your mother's womb".

When expectant parents give some space to this sort of faith-reflections they get themselves ready for the Baptism to be celebrated.

THIS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, PATRON SAINT OF OUR DIOCESE:
Mary, Mother of the Church, is the patroness of our
Diocese. As usual, most of those who work as pastoral agents - lay or ordained - in the parishes spend the day together for the purpose of study and formation. In the evening, at 7:30 p.m., the Bishop will preside over a celebration of the Eucharist to which all are invited. That will take place at Jean-Marie Vianney Cathedral.

SOME HELPFUL REFLECTIONS ON NATURAL DISASTERS AND GOD:
Naturally, all sorts of interpretations are given on God's role in natural disasters like hurricanes. The last issue of The Christian Century has some helpful ones. Two of them you find as an insert in this Sunday's bulletin. Anyone interested in the others, equally helpful but a bit longer, could let us know and we will make them available.

CEREAL BAR DRIVE FOR BUCKINGHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:
The Cereal Bar Drive for Buckingham Elementary will begin again for the current school year on October 16. A Basket will be placed at the entrance of the Church for your donations and will be delivered to the school to help out the children, who for one reason or another go to school without breakfast.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:
- Vera D'Aoust who will celebrate her 93rd Birthday on October 12.
- Michael Butler will celebrate his 89th birthday on October 13.
- Ambrose & Dolly Butler who are celebrating their 56th Anniversary on October 14.

OUR LADY OF VICTORY SOCIETY:
The Society is looking for volunteers to form part of the Executive. If you wish to join the Society, meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month. For more information, you may call Evelyn Robitaille at 986-2477.

HARVEST SUPPER:
A harvest supper is planned for Friday October 28th. Tickets will be available before and after mass starting on October 1st. Adults: $12.00,Children (5-12) $6.00, under 5: free. Last date to buy tickets is October 24th. No tickets sold at the door.